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2009 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 21, 2009

jags 82109 After 12-win seasons in 2005 and 2007, the Jacksonville Jaguars appeared to be on the verge of becoming of the AFC’s elite teams. Those hopes took a turn for the worst last season when the Jags finished just 5-11. Now, the question is: how long will it be before they are a playoff team again? Find out where I have Jacksonville finishing in the AFC South in this 2009 NFL betting preview. NFL odds makers have listed the Jaguars at +3500 to win Super Bowl XLIV.

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Offense – The Jags were confident they had found their franchise quarterback when David Garrard threw for 18 touchdowns against only three interceptions to lead the team to its first playoff win since 1999 in the 2007 season. He took a step back in 2008, though, connecting on three fewer touchdown strikes and throwing 10 more interceptions. Injuries up front and a less than spectacular wide receiver unit were likely as much to blame for the down year as anything. The Jags are confident they have upgraded both the receiving unit and the line so now Garrard has no excuses.

The Jags have not had a go-to true No. 1 wideout since Jimmy Smith retired in 2005. They have dropped their dead weight at the position and are excited about bringing in Torry Holt and rookies Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood. Holt still has a good year or two left in him and I expect him to have a strong season. He is excited about the opportunity to get out of St. Louis.

The running back spot is now Maurice Jones-Drew’s alone after backing up Fred Taylor for three seasons. Jones-Drew rushed for 2,533 yards the last three seasons in a part-time role. Jones-Drew and Garrard should benefit from the addition of Tra Thomas as well as rookies’ Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton up front to bolster the offensive line.

Defense – The Jags felt the biggest thing keeping them from winning the AFC South a season ago was a consistent pass rush so they traded up to nab Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves. The duo was less than spectacular in its first season, combining for just six sacks. These two, along with Reggie Hayward, must be able to bring the heat in 2009 or let the bust talk begin.

The linebacker position is in transition mode with middle linebacker Mike Peterson moving on to Atlanta via free agency. Justin Durant figures to take Peterson’s place with Clint Ingram and Daryl Smith on the outsides. Across the back, the Jags are comfortable with Rashean Mathis at one of the cornerback spots and Reggie Nelson at free safety, but the other two spots are still open. Look for Brian Williams to win the other cornerback spot and for Sean Considine to play the other safety position.

Prediction: 4th AFC South – I have the Jacksonville Jaguars pegged last in the division in my AFC South predictions. The Jaguars have become the new Bengals with 13 players arrested or charged with a crime the past two years. These guys are somewhat responsible for last season’s chemistry problems and led owner Wayne Weaver to send a message down to consider the character of the players the franchise is bringing in. Looks like the basement in a rebuilding year in the tough AFC South. The Jaguars are listed at +400 to win the AFC South Division.

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